Monday, February 10

R.I.P. Mike Parmon 1945-2014

This sad news reached me over the weekend.  Mike Parmon, easily the most popular 1200 rated player at the Sacramento Chess Club, passed away last Thursday at the age of 69.  While I have not attended the Tuesday evening club since the move to Great Escape Games, I still hear the echoes of his voice.  He seemed to know everyone, and never hesitated to critique the play of many a stronger player‒always in jest, of course It is difficult to imagine the Sacramento chess scene without Mike.

Parmon will be best remembered for spreading the gospel of Caissa to dozens of cheerful youths (and a few adults) every year.  He dedicated himself each week to explaining basic chess strategies to wide-eyed kids, at both the adult club and the Sacramento Chess School.  Check out these photos of the coach and his protégés.

Apparently, they needed another chess teacher in heaven.  Rest In Peace.

Update: Check out this tribute on KXTV News10.

4 comments:

Anthony said...

I took a pic of Mr. Parmon back in Oct 2013. He was at a Burger King and caught my eye as he worked the chessboard all alone.

http://instagram.com/p/fbWmAjmOeJ/

also --

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151885457213726&l=f9ecb49dbb

Unknown said...

I have known Mike since I was a senior in high school (32 years) While he was never one of the stronger players around, his love of the game was unequaled. I think Mike understood something that so many of us miss. He loved the game, he loved to teach, and he was ok with that. His aspirations were never to be the best, but to be the best he could be, and to pass on what he knew to others.
God Bless you Mike, you will be missed.

lawrence martinez said...

I knew mike he was always a faithful chess player and lover of the game everytime he saw me he would yell out "capablanca!" because he seen me along time ago studying a book by capa. We had some talks together about the game and players. I could always count on mike being either at Burger king studying or at the IHOP, you will be missed good buddy !!

Unknown said...

RIP Mike! You were a true friend; you loved chess and you love to teach! I remember Mike saying or shouting "The Khan that is Caro!" or hey play a game against my student! Knowing Mike for over 30 years I can't imagine the Sacramento Area Chess Scene with him! What a great loss for all of us. But he gave of himself to better all of us.